3119. Diethylene Glycol

Nomenclature

CAS number: 111-46-6
2,2′-Oxybisethanol; 2,2′-oxydiethanol.
C4H10O3; mol wt 106.12.
C 45.27%, H 9.50%, O 45.23%.

Description and references

Manuf from ethylene oxide and glycol: Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 397-402. Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23, 259 (1941).

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, hygroscopic, practically odorless liq; sharply sweetish taste. d2020 1.118. Solidifies at -10.45° (when pure). mp -6.5°. bp 244-245°. nD20 1.4475. Flash pt, open cup: 290°F (143°C). Misc with water, alc, ether, acetone, ethylene glycol. Practically insol in benzene, carbon tetrachloride. LD50 in rats, guinea pigs (g/kg): 20.76, 13.21 orally (Smyth).

Caution

Symptoms on ingestion similar to ethylene glycol, q.v. Fatal poisoning resulted from its use as a solvent in an elixir. See E. Browning, Toxicity and Metabolism of Industrial Solvents (Elsevier, New York, 1965) pp 624-628, 686-690; Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology vol. 2C, G. D. Clayton, F. E. Clayton, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1982) pp 3832-3838.

Use

In antifreeze soln for sprinkler systems, water seals for gas tanks, etc. (water with 40% diethylene glycol freezes at -18°; with 50% at -28°); as lubricating and finishing agent for wool, worsted, cotton, rayon, and silk; as solvent for vat dyes; in composition corks, glues, gelatin, casein, and pastes to prevent drying out.